It's called a Smart car (www.usa.smart.com), built by DaimlerChrysler. They've been selling these in Europe since 1998 and have sold about 770,000. The main structure is very crash worthy, and the car itself is quite comfortable. They're doing a tour of the US to promote the launch in the first quarter of 2008, and Michelle and I went to see them at the Dart Rail station on Mockingbird and 75 Saturday.Now, for all you nay-saying, SUV-because-they're-"safer", worry wart types these are very safe cars. Now, I have no illusion that if I got hit by a semi or a Suburban head-on at 50 mph that my wife will get a big payout and perhaps an opportunity to upgrade husbands, but...considering I commuted to work on a motorcycle for over a year 3-4 days a week, I'd say the safety concern is less than previous.
Also, 40-50 mpg for $13,000 is pretty darn good. To get that kind of city economy, I'd need a VW Jetta Diesel ($26,000 entry fee), or a Hybrid ($22,000 entry fee). I'm not sold on hybrid technology. I have a whole 'nother rant on that. Namely that they're building cars consumers don't want. You can't force a Tahoe driver into a Prius. So instead of focusing on small cars, focus on improving the economy of the vehicles people buy. A passenger diesel is an immediate 20% economy difference and is proven technology. Off my soapbox.
Plus, I got a thing for quirky different cars. I like minivans and hatchbacks and wagons and such. I'm not a Euro wannabe hippie treehugger, to be clear. But I am a tightfisted, penny penching, stingy, money-Nazi that wants to spend as little per month on a necessity and this is a great way to do it. No, I'm not riding a bicycle 16 miles one way to work, either. Also, this thing is 8.8 feet long. Parking is a breeze and it would take up very little space in my garage, leaving more room for all the other accoutrement's that take up space in a garage. It's only $99 to reserve one. I'm still kicking the idea around. As a pure commuter, it would be fantastic.
For the 3 people that read our blog, thoughts?
9 comments:
Hey -
I read your blog all the time but I have no thoughts on this one!!!
Marilee
You might be surprised who reads your blog. I have people comment to me at church that I never knew were reading!
It looks like a happy little car -- it's smiling! I'm all for economy. Just be sure you can squeeze in the baby seats!
Having seen them in Europe "in action" they certainly fit the lifestyle there, but keep in mind the comparative lack of interstate driving they do (not to mention the lack of family taxi driving they do) against how things stack up here. No room for a kid seat, no room for long-drive travel/luggage/stuff...
...so, I'm in on it, but I'm trying to think about the realities of suburban life with young kid(s) and our family couldn't have done it then. We could do it now, though. As long as we had another car for those type of things.
My only thought on the subject - we just reviewed our September spendings, and we spent over $500 on gas alone. No, we don't go anywhere except work and church. We didn't do a lot of running around town because I was so sick. So basically that's a bare minimum for us. That is ridiculous! I'd buy the car just for commuting.
That is my intent, having this car just for me for commuting. I have a minivan and a Hyundai Sonata for family duties. I'm just debating on replacing the van since the Sonata is brand-new. But I sure like me a minivan.
Brent-my work commute never involves a freeway. Up 121 the whole way. I barely break 45.
I think you would be surprised who reads your blogs
It is cute
I think you would look really silly. But hey- if you don't care how you would look...sorry.
It reminds me of that car in Just Married- I think that is what it was called with Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher. You should check it out. You are pretty tall, J would you fit in that?
I sat in one a couple weekends ago down in Dallas. I fit fine, with room to spare.
Honey B - yup, Michelle and I like that movie and it's what we thought of too. I'm ok with looking ridiculous. I mean, you've seen ME, right? So it would be a natural fit.
HA! You crack me up!
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